Rotary stage structure



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vFIG-5 INVETOR. @nulla M United States Patent O 3,383,810 ROTARY STAGE STRUCTURE Oswaldo Mola, Alameda Barao de Lemeira 1330, Apt. 82, Sao Paulo, Brazil Filed Aug. 30, 1965, Ser. No. 483,554 13 Claims. (Cl. 52-7) ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE A rotary stage structure comprises two floor portions, one of which is circular and the other of which is annular and surrounds the circular lioor portion. Both iioor portions are rotatable relative 4to one another. Partition means is provided shiftable with reference to both of the floor portions so las to permit selective subdivision of at least one of the floor portions for the purpose of providing at least one stage thereon.

The present invention concerns a rotary stage structure. More specifically, it concerns a stage structure cornprising two floor portions of which at least one is rotatable relative to the other. Still more specifically the invention concerns a rotary stage structure of the `abovementioned type in which the floor area of the respective floor portions can be selectively subdivided so as to form stages of various size and outline.

It is well known that in the theatre the trend is toward steadily increasing realism in the presentation of theatrical pieces. To achieve this it lis necessary that the stage provided should permit maximum iiexibility in the staging of scenes. At the same time, theatrical architecture is currently aiming for constructions with increasing versatility, that is for constructions which are useable not only for conventional theatrical purposes, but also for theatrein-the-room or theatre-in-the-basement type of productions aimed at very small audiences, for concerts or even for screening of motion pictures.

It is ofcourse known to provide rotary stage structures which are usually subdivided into two stages which may successively be rotated so as to be in view of the audience. However, such structures suffer from various drawbacks, particularly the fact that the changing of scenes is still too slow, there being availa-ble only one empty stage on which the next scene can be set up so that the presentation of several scenes in rapid succession is not possible. Also, rotary stage structures of known type share with the conventional stationary stage structures the lack of flexibility which makes such structures generally unsuitable" for purposes other than theatrical productions, that is for concerts, readings, screening of motion pictures and so on. Also, stage structures known heretofore invariably depend on the use of a stage curtain during intermissions of any kind. The utility of such stage curtains is of course very limited, and it is desirable that a novel multi-purpose stage structure be provided with a novel and more versatile substitute for the conventional curtain.

Finally, although by no means exhaustively, much valuable space is wasted in conventional stage structures by the need for providing tixed dressing rooms, corridors leading between the dressing rooms and the stage, space for the actors to assemble prior to their appearance, and similar purposes. A novel stage structure should also improve on this drawback and utilize the available space to the maximum and most eflicient extent.

In consideration of the above-stated disadvantages of known stage structures it is a general object of the present invention to overcome such disadvantages.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a rotary stage structure comprising two floor portions, of which at least one is rotatable relative to the other.

A still more specific object of the invention is to provide a rotary stage structure of the type described which can be readily subdivided into a plurality of compartments each defining a stage.

Another object of the invention is to provide a Stage structure of the above type which can be subdivided so as to define stages having a maximum variety of shapes and dimensions.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide such a stage structure with a semicircular wall means or panel which surrounds an edge portion of the stage structure so as to close selected parts of the stage structure to the View of the audience, and which is simultaneously useable as a backdrop means, as a Screen, and for related purposes.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention I provide, in a rotary stage structure, the combination of two oor portions of which one surrounds the other and of which at least one is rotatable relative to the other, and partitioning means for selectively compartmentalizing at least one of these floor portions to permit forming at least one stage on at least one of the oor portions.

The novel features which are characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. l is a top plan view of a theatre incorporating the inventive rotary stage structure;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 and shows one possible manner of subdividing the inventive stage structure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inventive stage structure subdivided in a different manner;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 and shows the stage structure subdivided in still another manner; `and FIG. 5 is a sectional elevational view of the stage structure and of the means for rotating it.

Turning firstly -to FIG. 1 it will be seen that there is shown there a theatre incorporating the inventive stage structure. Reference numeral 1 `designates the auditorium, which is preferably rectangular in shape but can be of any other suitable shape. Reference numeral 2 designates rows of seats arranged in the auditorium.

The stage of the theatre is composed of two portions, the actual rotary stage structure and a fixed stage extension which directly adjoins the auditorium and is interposed between the same and the rotary stage. The stage extension consists of the tixed iioor portion 4, and slidable side walls S which may be used to subdivide the fixed tioor portion 4 to a limited extent and can be pushed back against the theatre walls 3 on rails 6 embedded in the floor portion when they are not needed. Thus, the side walls 5 serve to selectively delimit the shape of the xed stage extension.

The actual rotary stage structure of the invention comprises a central oor porti-on 17 and an outer oor portion 9 which surrounds the central floor portion 17, as will be best seen from FIG. 5. The central Hoor portion 17 is surrounded at its periphery by a first partitioning means 28 which may `be in the shape of an annular wall, in which case it lwill be necessary that this wall have various doors 29 to permit ingress and egress from the central tioor poltion 17, or it may preferably be construcled of a plurality of individual panels. Second partitioning means 8 extends from the outer peripheral edge of the outer oor portion 9 towards the central floor portion 17. It will be clear from a consideration of the drawing that this second partitioning means 8 may terminate at the first partitioning means 28, or that, depending upon the requirement of the moment, the partitioning means 28 may have at least in part been removed so that the partitioning means S can extend onto the central floor portion 17 to whatever degree is necessary to define the `desire-d stage shape. The partitioning means 3, which comprises plurality of panels which may be moved either manually or by means of suitable equipment to their selected positions, may slide on tracks, be free-standing, or -be suspended from overhead in any desirable manner. It detines a piurality of compartments 7 which can each serve as an individual stage. Of course, it is clear that the size and shape of the respective conipartments 7 depends on placement of the partitioning means S and 28 and that although these partitioning means are shown in the drawing as extending radially of the central floor portion 17, other placement is possible. The outer peripheral edge of the outer door portion 9 is surrounded through 180 of arc by `a scmicircular wall means 32 which is movable about this outer peripheral edge, and which replaces the conventional curtain. It should be noted here that it has been found that the best angle for placing the partitioning means 8 is approximately 60 so that the inventive stage structure would be divided into a maximum of six compartments or substages 7 of which three will be closed to view at all times by the wall means 32.

Since, as has been pointed out before, the theatre in which the stage structure is installed is of preferably rectangular conguration, it will be seen that on that situe of the inventive stage structure which faces away from the auditorium the stage and the wall 3 of the theatre together define a space 33 which can be utilized for storing or positioning stage props, equipment, and for similar purposes.

Whereas FIG. l shows the center floor portion 17 closed off by the partitioning means 28 and the outer floor portion 9 subdivided into six sub-stages 7, FiG. 2 shows the front half of the outer door portion 9 and the front half of the center floor portion 17 completely cleared so as form a single stage, whereas the rearhalves of both floor portions are respectively subdivided into three substages 7 and a center compartment, which latter can serve for the players or as a dressing room.

FIG. 3 shows in somewhat more detail how the inventive stage structure operates. `ln this View the structure is subdivided as in the view of FIG. l and it will be seen that the center door portion 17 forms a single compartment in which it is possible to set up temporary dressing rooms for the players, where the players can keep then.- selves in readiness for their appearance, or where equipment may be stored for immediate access to the respective stages. Center floor portion 17 is rotatable in the direction of double-headed arrow F, while the outer surrounding loor portion 9 is rotatable relative to the center floor portion in the direction of double-headed arrow S. As is clearly evident `from the drawing the semicircular wall means or panel 32 is rotatable about the outer periphery of the outer wall portion 9 in the direction of the double-headed arrow C. Thus, during intermission or for other purposes it .may be rotated to `the front of the stage structure, that is to the side which faces the audience, so as to close off the stage from view. It will be understood, of course, that if the partitioning means are all removed from both floor portions the semicircular panel 32 can serve as a backdrop for one very large stage. On the other hand, it is possible to bead either the inner, the outer or both surfaces of the panel 32 so that it may be used as a screen for the projection of motion pictures or slides in whatever position it is arranged.

FIG. 4 shows the rotary stage structure in a condition of partitioning which corresponds to the showing of FIG. 2.

Turning now to FIG. 5 it will be evident how the iuventive stage structure operates. The outer floor portion 9 is rotatable in opposite directions as shown by the arrow S (FIGS. 3 and 4) by means of the usual motor and reducing-gear set 14 which drivcs a transmission gear 15 fitted to its shaft and engaging a rack 16 provided circumferentially on the outer surface of a hollow downward extension 1G of the floor portion 9. lt Awill 'be seen that the floor portion 9 is received in a substantially conical depression 11 formed in the floor, in which there is provided a plurality of small rollers 12 which are freely supported on projections 13 embedded in the floor, and on which the floor portion 9/16 rotates.

The center floor portion 17 is similarly constructed in that it has a downwardly projecting extension 1S which is also rotatable in opposite directions on rollers 19 secured to projections 2Q which are embedded in the floor. The rollers 19 engage in grooves which are provided for this purpose in the underside of the lloor extension 18. Of course it is possible to reverse this arrangement and to arrange the `rollers on the oor extension so that they may run in grooves or tracks provide-d in the ioor of the depression. 11. The central tioor portion 17/13 is rotated by means of the usual motor and reducing gear set 21 via a set of transmission pulleys 22, 23 and a belt which drives a shaft 25 supported on two axial bearings 25 and 27. It should be understood, in this connection, that the rendering of this arrangement in the drawing is for purely illustrative purposes only, and that in actual fact a proper reducing-gear arrangement would of course be provided to prevent excessive speed of rotation of the center door portion 17/13.

As has been pointed out before, the central space defined by the door portion 17 and the partitioning means 2S can serve as a service area for the actors and actresses, can enclose dressing rooms, or can house necessary equipment. In this case the unitary or multiple-panel partitioning means 28 must be provided with doors 29 which communicate with the respective sub-stages 7 of the floor portions 9. On the other hand, it is possible to utilize this space for seating the audience and to present the theatrical presentation on the sub-stages 7; in this case, either the floor portion 17 or the floor portion 9 could be rotated relative to the other.

As is evident from FIG. 5 the semicircular wall means 32 is slidable on casters 31 in a track 3% provided in the Hoor externally of the floor portion 9. Of course, it would also be possible to provide this track along the peripheral edge of floor portion 9 directly on this oor portion.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of stage structures difforing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in rotary stage structures, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, he foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that from the standpoint of prior art fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehencled within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. In a rotary stage structure, the combination of a circular oor portion; an annular floor portion concentrically surrounding said circular floor portion and having an outer peripheral edge, said floor portions being rotatable rela-tive to each other; partitioning means shifta'ole with reference to both of said floor portions for selectively subdividing at least one of said floor portions into a plurality of compartments of which at least one is open at said outer edge for use as a Stage; and Wall means shiftable circumferentially of said floor por-tions for selectively closing off at lea-st a portion of said stage.

2. In a rotary stage structure, the combination of a circular fioor portion having a first outer edge; an annular floor portion concentrically surrounding said circular fioor portion and having a second outer edge, said floor portions being rotatable relative to each other; partitioning means shiftable With reference to both of said floor portions for selectively subdividing at least one of said floor porti-ons in a plurality of compartments of which at least one is open at said outer edge for use as a stage; and wall means shiftable Ialong one of said outer edges circumferentially of said iioor portions for selectively closing off at least one of said compartments.

3. In a rotary stage structure, .the combination of a first circular floor portion; a second circular floor portion concentric-,ally surrounding said first fioor portion and having an outer edge, said door portions being rotatable relative to each other; partitioning means shiftable with reference to both of -said fioor portions for selectively subdividing at least one of said floor portions in a plurality of compartments of which at least one is open at said outer edge for use as a stage; and semicircular Wall means movable along said outer edge circumferentially of and relative to said second floor portion for selectively closing ofiE at least one of said compartments.

4. In a rotary stage structure, the combination of a first circular -fioor portion; a secon-d cir-cular oor portion concentrically surrounding said first fioor portion and having `an outer edge, said floor portions being rotatable relative to each other; inner Wall mean-s adapted to selectively and at least partially surround said first oor portion; outer wall means movable along said outer edge of said second floor .portion circumferentially of and relative to both of said iioor portions; and partitioning means shifitaole with reference to both of said Hoor portions for selectively subdividing at least said second floor portion in a plurality of compartments of which at least one is open at said outer edge for use as a stage.

5. A rotary stage structure as defined in claim 4, wherein said inner Wall means comprises a plurality of separate panel means.

6. A rotary stage structure as define-d in claim 5, wherein said outer wall means is semicircular.

7. A rotary stage structure as defined in claim 6, further comprising rail means extending along said outer edge of said second floor portion, and engaging means -secured to said outer Wall means and engaging said rail means for movement therealong whereby said outer wall means is guided by said rail means.

8. A rotary stage structure .as defined in claim 4, wherein said first and second floor portions have respective horizontal surfaces, and wherein said partitioning means comprises a plurality of panels extending normal to said horizontal surfaces, and movably secured to at least said second floor portion.

'9. A rotary stage structure as defined in claim 8, further comprising cooperating glide means on said second iioor portion and said panels for enabling movement of the latter relative to the former.

10. A rotary stage structure as defined in claim 4, further comp-rising additional partitioning means adjacent Vbut spaced from said outer edge of said second fioor portion, and selectively movable relative thereto for defining a stage-extension for the stage represented by th'at one of said plurality of compartments which is in use as a stage.

11. In a rotary stage structure, the combination of an inner floor portion; an outer annular floor portion concentrically surrounding said inner door portion and having an outer edge; first rotating means for rotating said inner -oor portion; second rotating means for rotating said outer iioor portion independently of said inner fioor portion; inner Wall means adapted to selectively surroun-d at least a part of said inner floor portion; outer Wall means extending along a part of said outer edge of said outer annular floor means and movable therealong circumferentially of and relative to said outer annular oor portion; and partitioning means shiftable with reference to lboth of said floor portions, including means extending `radially inwardly from said outer edge of said outer annular floor portion for compartmentalizing at least the latter so as to define a plurality of compartments of which at least one is open at said outer edge in the region thereof not covered by said outer Wall means, and constitutes a stage.

12. In .a rotary stage structure, the combination of an inner oor portion; an outer annular floor portion concentrically surrounding said inner fioor portion and having an outer edge; first rotating means for rotating said inner floor portion; second rotating means for rotating said -outer oor portion independently of said inner floor portion; inner wall means adapted to selectively surround at least a part of said inner door portion; outer wall means extending along a part of said outer edge of said outer annular floor means and movable there-along circumferentially of and relative to said outer annular fioor portion; first partitioning means shiftable with reference to both of said door portions, including means extending radially inwardly from said outer edge of said outer annular Kdoor portion for compartmentalizing at least the latter so as Ato define a plurality of compartments of which at least one is open at said outer edge in the region thereof not covered by said outer wall means, and constitute a stage; and second partitioning means adjacent said outer edge externally of said outer annul-ar oor portion and movable relative thereto so as to constitute an extension of said lirst partitioning mean-s and to extend the stage beyond the confines of said outer annular portion.

13. In a ro-tary stage structure, the combination of a rst circular floor portion; a second circular iioor portion concentrically surrounding said first Hoor portion and having an outer edge, said floor portions being rotatable relative to each other; inner wall means adapted to selectively and at least partially surround said first floor por- Ition and comprising a plurality of separate panel means; semicircular outer w-all means movable along said outer edge relative to both of said floor portions; partitioning means for selectively subdividing atleast said second floor portion int-o a plurality of compartments of which at least one is open at said outer edge for use as a stage; rail means extending along the outer edge of and carried by said second oor portion; and engaging means secured to said outer wall means and engaging said rail means for move-ment .therealong whereby said outer wall means is guided by said rail means.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 258,539 5/1882 Needham 52-7 612,836 10/1898 Ellis 52-7 721,767 3/1903 Wood 52-7 748,116 12/1903 Stoll 272-47 1,008,886 11/1911 Bishop 52-7 1,559,739 11/1925 Brown 52-7 1,985,707 l12/1934 Young 52-7 2,451,283 10/1948 Gannett 52-7 2,700,798 2/ 1955 Perrottet 52-7 3,115,684 l12/1963 Ioy 52-7 O HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, Primary Examiner.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Examiner.

C. G. MUELLER, Assistant Examiner. 

